Breast cancer really hits very close to home for me. I don’t generally blog very personal things pertaining to my life, but I feel that this relates immensely to the Fashion for a Cause campaign. A few years ago, my mother was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. She has something called metastatic breast cancer, which is the most advanced kind. Did you know that only 5% of research is done on this type of advanced breast cancer? When we first found out it was one of the most terrifying things to try to comprehend. Of course the biggest issue with receiving a diagnosis of an illness like cancer raises the biggest reaction inside: Fear. After years of chemotherapy and surgeries, she’s been through it all and still manages to come out smiling each day, looking forward to the future. Sure, not all days are good days, but she still manages to pull through with minimal discouragement. She doesn’t let the fear get to her and take over her life, and I think that’s the key in getting through it. She recently said something to me that really resonated with me. She said that she isn’t struggling with breast cancer, nor is she a breast cancer survivor. She is merely having “the breast cancer experience”. I really like the way that she looks at it, just as it’s another thing life has thrown at her that she will get through and move forward. It’s a really positive way of looking at it. There’s a really great informative website about metastatic cancer, METAvivor Research & Support, if you’d like to know more about it. Being there for her all of these years has been a challenge, but I wouldn’t have been anywhere else. She is my mother and my best friend, and she deserves the best. That’s why when Annie originally contacted me about the Fashion for a Cause campaign, I jumped on it immediately. I only hope that more research is spent on metastatic breast cancer in the future.
I’m extremely honored & excited to be a part of this campaign. Myself, along with 25 other bloggers from Miami got together this month to raise funds for breast cancer in a fashion campaign that showcases how stylish it is to give back & raise awareness. All of us were given the shirt above, designed by Annie Vasquez, to style for a photo shoot by Getty Images celebrity photographer Alexander Tamargo for the campaign. What’s even more exciting? The tee is currently available at several local & internet boutiques for $25, and ranges from size S to XL. All proceeds go to The Florida Foundation for Breast Cancer. Want to grab one for yourself? Here’s a list of places you can snatch one up!
Lilac & Lilies
2541 East Sunrise Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Phone: (954) 530-3109
My Best Friend’s Closet
Guy and Girl Boutique
1801 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: (305) 341-1392
Your photos came out so well! Super cute!
Wow, I didn’t know that type of cancer was so advanced and not very researched. Your mom has the best attitude about it, whenever I see her she’s just making the best of things even if she’s having a rough day. She’s a very inspiring lady (you both are!).
You are so cute I cannot stand it. I had no idea about your mom. Im glad we can all band together to raise awareness for something so important. It does effect our moms, sisters, grandmas. If we as women can do anything, it’s help our loved ones. This was fun, but it is also an awesome cause.
LOVE the side-eye pic and thanks for the shout out, bride-to-be! And sending a prayer for your mama.
Dude! Love your pics, the first is super super cute
Young, Wilde & Free
X
Love how you’ve styled this with the black and white stripes! Uber cute
xo
Kristin
http://www.LivingInColorPrint.com
Hi Kirstin,
Sorry to hear about your Mom’s battle with this…I can’t even imagine what this must be like. What a great way to raise awareness to something that has touched you so profoundly…your post will definitely help people and maybe that’s why your pictures came out so fabulously…because you have the passion behind it to spread the word and raise awareness/funds for this disease.
Big hug,
Martha
You look absolutely adorable! I love these photos!! I’m happy to hear that your mom still has a positive attitude after everything she’s been through. She is so blessed to have you beside her and vice versa. My mom is my best friend too and I know if she was diagnosed similarly, I would move home in a snap! Keeping you two in my thoughts and prayers!!
I love your outfit. It’s SOOOOO super cute and adorable!
xoxo,
Terry
http://terrys-two-cents.blogspot.com
You wear pink well!!!! Cancer is the most despised disease in my opinion as it can hit anyone at anytime. May your mom continue to stay strong!!!
wow, your mom sounds amazing, like such a fighter. and, she has the cutest daughter, too.
I love the cause behind the photos. As unfortunate as it is that your mother has been diagnosed, I applaud her spirit and the legacy she is leaving you. What a great mom she is!
Props to Annie for organizing this! Cancer is tough subject for me and my family as well, and even some close family friends. Last night, I actually just happened to read a poem that a good friend from church wrote before she passed away from breast cancer. Like your mom, her optimism was exuberant and it’s comforting to know someone can be so strong in such testing times. Your mom sounds like an amazing woman and the way she handles her “experience” is admirable. I’ll be praying for you and your family!
I’d also like to thank you for stopping by my blog a couple of weeks ago. I love getting to connect with my hometown bloggers . Through them I can still get a little taste of home despite my temporary relocation to New England! I’ll be following you
Melanie
thosethingstheysaid.com
Your pictures are so much FUN!!! I love the mustache! I love how you let loose and totally owned the shots. Great job!
xx
The Fashionable ESQ
http://www.thefashionableesq.blogspot.com/
such a great campaign! I love the way you styled it!
Follow my blog on Bloglovin’. Let me know in the comments and I will follow back
LA By Diana Live Magazine
low this amazing campaign!!!funny and pretty pics!
http://www.tomelessismore.blogspot.com
What an empowering post, and so glad that you mother has such an inspiring attitude toward life, despite the tribulations that come. Wishing you a happy Sunday dear. Your photos look amazing! xx/Madison
Best side eye pose EVER!
Pingback: Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fashion for a Cause | GLAM Life Blog